RESIDENTS and visitors alike flocked to the Warwick Pig and Calf Sale yesterday for the first sale of the new year.

Perfect blue skies and school holidays combined to attract large numbers to the weekly sales.

Plenty of regular faces at the sales had relatives visiting from across Queensland and interstate for school holidays drop in to the iconic sales.

Matilda and Katie Brough were visiting their grandparents from Sydney and said they wanted to take home some ducklings.

"I want to buy a baby duck but they won't let me take it on the plane," Matilda Brough said.

Stanthorpe residents Sue Johnson and husband Bob took the opportunity to return to the markets with a range of fresh plants, fruits and jams for sale.

Mrs Johnson said the couple had been too busy to attend the weekly sales in recent years but aimed to make a regular appearance this year.

"We stopped coming a few years ago when work commitments got too much to handle and I've really missed it," she said.

"It really intrigues me; it's a great part of the town.

"The pig and calf sales are an absolute institution of Warwick."

Husband Bob Johnson said there was always something new to see at the sales.

"Some people come with something in mind to buy," he said. "Others find something they weren't expecting."

Mrs Johnson is a candidate for the upcoming Southern Downs Regional Council elections and said just like her homemade jams she hopes to bring a new flavour to council.